Trekking on Turkey’s historic Ephesus-Mimas Route

IZMIR, Turkey

A historic 709-kilometer route (440 miles) in Turkey’s Aegean province of Izmir that connects ancient Greek Ionian footways awaits visitors who want to enjoy nature as well as learn of the culture and history in the region.

By forming the Ephesus- Mimas Route, “our aim is to bring these six Ionian cities on the Izmir peninsula to light,” Ertugrul Tugay, deputy-president of the Turkish Mountaineering Federation told Anadolu Agency.

“Apart from the historical hiking trail for cycling, routes with themes including olive, vineyard and sea were also added,” Tugay said.

“The Ephesus-Mimas Route is 709 kilometer longs with 49 new routes,” he said, adding the route was marked according to the international standards and directional signs were placed.

The main part of the route consists of six footways connecting ancient cities such as Ephesus, Colophon, Lebedos, Teos, Klazomenai, and Erythrai.

The route starts in front of the Temple of Artemis -- one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World -- in Ephesus and passes through Menderes, Seferihisar, Guzelbahce, Urla and Cesme districts and ends in Mimas, or Karaburun in Turkish.

Trek-lovers can travel through paths and beaches by walking among colorful flora and are offered the chance to look closer at ancient history.

Reporting by Ahmet Bayram; Writing by Handan Kazanci